sweetandsalt
Well-known member
Winston wins Best New Product for their new Double Handed fly rod at the annual EFTTEX Show
Winston AIR Two-Hander at EFTTEX
- Thread starter sweetandsalt
- Start date
I was surprised when I read about this that a two-handed rod wins Best New Product in the fly rod category. It made me wonder if it means there won't be a lot of new rods being introduced at IFTD later this year; Sage has already shown its new rods. And I'm glad Winston won again - rewards the company and encourages continued innovation. On the other hand, an update to the BIIIX line would have been really great.
sweetandsalt
Well-known member
AIR is the update replacing BIIIx.
I thought that might be their strategy. Problem is with the FW AIR is that it stops at 6 WT; seems like they don't have a good FW model in 7 and 8 for streamers/bass/etc. The B3Plus is heavy and the SALT AIR is a great caster but poor as a trout rod.
sweetandsalt
Well-known member
coho, I have not tried an AIR Salt #6 but the Winston folk regard it as their best #6, 7 & 8 ever. I would speculate they would be great at the applications you mentioned based on my use of the #9. However, for most but the most loyal-to-the-green, seeking a terrific #6+ line weight usually involves different designer/brands that excel at such rods. Winston's optimal trout fishing wheelhouse has long been in shorter, lighter line weight models.
Why do you view the Salt Air as a poor trout rod?
proheli
Well-known member
I heard they are hoping for a big introduction and roll-out within the next few weeks. If I understand correctly they are all spey rods except for the 11'6 Switch. I'm very interested in this one.
proheli
Well-known member
In general, salt rods are stiffer, stronger than freshwater rods, less feel. I'd guess the Air Salt 6 is quite a bit more rod than the straight Air 6. Not that this is the end-all-say-all, but GA at YA said the Air 6 excelled at short to mid distances and excellent presentation. Saltwater fisherman don't give a hoot about any of that, and most salt rods are needed to hit much farther distances regularly and easily.
Unknownflyman
Well-known member
I like the Winston air single handers, can't wait to try a two hand rod. Interesting to see how different they are from my Sage and Echo`s.
zonk1085
Well-known member
I'm very interested in the AIR TH as well. Received an email from Winston listing the following configurations.
MODELS: 12' 5wt., 11'6" 6wt., 12'6" 6wt.,
13'3" 6wt., 12'3" 7wt., 13'3" 7wt., 12'3" 8wt.,
13'3" 8wt., 14'6" 8wt., 12'9" 9wt.
The B2X two handers had a cult following, particularly the 13'3" 7/8 weight. Still holds up very well against an Asquith and Sage X spey rod I've owned and used. I think the B3TH's were considered a touch stiffer than the B2X generation. I've found my 13' 7 weight Sage X to be a wonderful scandi rod, not nearly as stiff as I'd anticipated from a Sage.
Curious what direction Winston goes with the AIR TH. I've been looking for a shorter 8 weight that's not to stiff. Hoping the 12'3" 8wt Winston AIR fits the bill.
MODELS: 12' 5wt., 11'6" 6wt., 12'6" 6wt.,
13'3" 6wt., 12'3" 7wt., 13'3" 7wt., 12'3" 8wt.,
13'3" 8wt., 14'6" 8wt., 12'9" 9wt.
The B2X two handers had a cult following, particularly the 13'3" 7/8 weight. Still holds up very well against an Asquith and Sage X spey rod I've owned and used. I think the B3TH's were considered a touch stiffer than the B2X generation. I've found my 13' 7 weight Sage X to be a wonderful scandi rod, not nearly as stiff as I'd anticipated from a Sage.
Curious what direction Winston goes with the AIR TH. I've been looking for a shorter 8 weight that's not to stiff. Hoping the 12'3" 8wt Winston AIR fits the bill.
zonk1085
Well-known member
Have yet to see any of these in shops so I gave Winston a call. They should be available to order in early September for delivery in early October was the word I got.